DS, signed “Cassius Clay,” one page, 8.5 x 11, October 14, 1969. Agreement between Ali, Sports Action, Inc., and promoter Harold Conrad to fight Joe Frazier. Document lists five particulars for the bout:
“1. Clay agrees to engage in a 15 round boxing contest against Joe Frazier for the World Heavyweight Championship …
2. The said bout shall be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, during the month of February 1970.
3. Promoter agrees to pay Clay forty percent…of the net proceeds derived from the live gate …
4. Promoter and Clay agree that SAC shall have exclusive world-wide television, radio, and motion picture rights to the bout (the ‘Ancillary rights’). Sac agrees that it will pay Clay forty percent…of the net ancillary proceeds derived from the bout…which shall, in no event, exceed $100,000.00.
5. The obligation of Clay hereunder to Promoter and SAC shall terminate if Promoter fails to obtain…a license for Clay to fight in the State of Nevada and if Promoter fails to obtain the approval of the State Athletic Commission of Nevada of the bout between Clay and Frazier.” Signed at the conclusion in blue ballpoint by Ali, “Cassius Clay.” In fine condition, with two punch holes to top edge.
This document dates to Ali’s exile from the ring, brought about by the prolonged legal fight regarding his refusal to be inducted into the US Army based on his religious beliefs. The resulting backlash resulted in Ali becoming despised in the US, particularly among members of the nation’s establishment. A clause in this contract, nullifying the agreement “if Promoter fails to obtain…a license for Clay to fight...and if Promoter fails to obtain the approval of the State Athletic Commission of Nevada” reflected the disdain of the day, and turned out to be prophetic.
Nevada’s boxing commission ultimately denied the champ’s camp request to battle in the Silver State—one of twenty-eight states, as well as Indian reservations and foreign venues—that denied requests for Ali to fight between 1968 and 1970. That loss became Madison Square Garden’s gain in 1971 as Ali and Smokin’ Joe squared off in the Fight of the Century.
A desirable document bearing not only the legal signature of Cassius Clay—one he had abandoned in 1964, amidst a great deal of controversy—in exchange for the Islam-inspired Muhammad Ali, but also of his promoter, legendary boxing promoter Conrad. Conrad served as the basis for Humphrey Bogart’s role as a cynical boxing press agent in the film, The Harder They Fall. Pre-certified Steve Grad/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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